INTERVIEW: Meet Hannah, Vacilando’s Production Quilter
For the Scrap Collection, we gave our remote production team carte blanche and a few loose parameters to make whatever they dreamed up from our leftover fabric scraps. Each and every quilter and seamstress that we work with is wildly talented and creative in their own right - we wanted to provide an outlet for that creativity while repurposing our fabric scraps into something beautiful and useful.
Hannah joined the Vacilando team in September 2020 as one of our production quilters, but she is a quilter who I’ve admired for years. Her improv quilts (which were the catalyst for the Scrap Collection) and the handmade quilt coats that she made well before they were on trend are true works of art. As a well rounded quilter, seamstress, garment designer, and dabbler in all things craft, we are so grateful that she’s lending her many talents to our team here at Vacilando.
We asked Hannah a few questions about her background and sewing skills - let’s get to know her!
How long have you been quilting?
I’ve been making quilts regularly for about 12 years now but I have been sewing and playing with fabric for as long as I can remember.
How did you learn how to quilt/sew?
My mom used to make quilts when I was little so I was lucky to be surrounded by sewing machines and fabric right off the bat. It wasn’t until high school that I decided to start making my own clothes and really experiment with sewing. Through lots of trial and error, I was able to complete my first quilt about 13 years ago and I haven’t stopped since!
Where is your studio?
I’ve taken over half of my bedroom with my sewing space and I often take over the dining room too. I live in a tiny farmhouse built in 1890 so my options are pretty limited. One day I will have studio space on the second floor of our big barn, but for now I make do with what little space I have.
What machine do you use?
I’ve been sewing on a Bernina 1008 for about ten years now. She’s a reliable work horse and I hope she’ll be around for my entire sewing career.
Most valuable tool?
Seam ripper!
Favorite fabric color?
Kona Sienna
Best sewing tip/hack?
I never press my binding in half before sewing it on to my quilts. I find that not pressing a crease on my binding allows it to be more flexible and malleable when it is time to enclose the raw edge of the quilt.
Squares + rectangles, triangles, or curves?
Lately it’s curves but I’ve always been a big fan of half square triangles.
What’s your favorite thing about quilting/sewing?
The act of cutting apart fabric and sewing it back together to create a useful, beautiful object is totally magical.
What's your least favorite thing about quilting/sewing?
Basting large quilts! It’s the most physical step in quilt making for me and my knees definitely feel it.
Your favorite Vacilando piece?
It’s so hard to choose but I think the Rialto has always been top of my list. I love the effect of the stripes playing together and how modern and clean the design is.
Preferred drink + snack while you’re working?
Ice water but no snacks - I don’t trust myself to not get something on my work!
Preferred drink + snack after you’re done working?
Diet Coke and cheese and crackers.
What’s your most memorable travel moment?
About five years ago I got to go on a little road trip with my mom to Northern California, an area of the country I had never traveled to before. I fell in love with the Eucalyptus trees, rolling green landscape, and especially the beauty of Point Reyes National Seashore.
What are you up to when you aren’t making quilts/sewing?
Lately I’m out in my garden - planting seedlings, mulching and weeding, and generally puttering around my pretty green space.
Where can we find you on the interwebs?
Occasionally on Instagram @hmile_y.
